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Aussie Made BBQs for Alfresco Kitchens in WA: Design, Materials, Costs & Brands

Designing an alfresco kitchen around an Aussie made BBQ is one of the smartest upgrades for Perth homes. This guide covers the best Australian made BBQ options, how to plan your outdoor kitchen, WA-ready materials and finishes, example costs, and practical tips from the Joyce Kitchens team.

Why choose an Aussie made BBQ?

Pairing your alfresco kitchen with an Aussie made BBQ delivers durability, local parts and service, and peace of mind with warranties suited to Australian conditions. For WA homes—especially coastal suburbs—specs like 316 stainless steel, solid heat dispersion and robust ignition systems matter year-round.

  • Built for our climate: heat, UV and coastal corrosion.
  • Size and cut-out compatibility with local cabinetry systems.
  • Local after-sales support and readily available spare parts.
  • Confidence in compliance when installed by licensed trades to AS/NZS 5601 (Gas Installations).
Definition: Built-in vs Drop-in BBQ
Built-in BBQs integrate flush with cabinetry and benchtops; drop-in BBQs sit into a cut-out with a lip over the surface. Both require correct clearances to combustibles and ventilation.

Australian made BBQ brands and sizing tips

Popular Australian made BBQ brands include:

  • Heatlie (SA) – heavy-gauge stainless steel, excellent for built-in alfresco kitchens.
  • Tucker (NSW) – robust construction, strong burner performance.
  • Cookout BBQs (QLD) – marine-grade units ideal for coastal WA and boat decks.

Some well-known brands are Australian-owned but not necessarily manufactured locally. If “bbq made in australia” is critical for you, look for the official Australian Made logo or manufacturer confirmation.

Shortlist your purchase with our review of the best natural gas bbq australia picks, including top NG and LPG units suited to WA homes.

Sizing & specification

  • Common widths: 700–900 mm built-in units suit most Perth alfresco layouts; larger 1200 mm options need deeper benches and stronger ventilation.
  • Gas type: NG vs LPG. Confirm supply before cabinetry is built; nozzles and regulators differ.
  • Clearances: Observe grill-to-surface, lid opening, and side burner spacing; follow manufacturer specs plus AS/NZS 5601 requirements.
  • Ventilation: Consider a weather-rated alfresco rangehood if your space is semi-enclosed.
Definition: AS/NZS 5601
The Australian/New Zealand standard for gas installations. It sets out rules for safe gas appliance installation, ventilation and clearances in homes and alfresco areas.

Renovation process: from consult to cook-up

  1. Design consultation: We measure, discuss how you cook, guest numbers, and link your alfresco to the indoor kitchen, scullery or butler’s pantry for seamless flow.
  2. Appliance-first planning: Lock in your Aussie made BBQ model early so cut-outs, ventilation and service points are exact.
  3. Documentation & compliance: Detailed drawings for cabinetry, benchtop cut-outs, splashback and services. Licensed trades for gas, electrical and plumbing. Check local council if structures are changing.
  4. Custom fabrication: Weather-ready custom cabinetry (not flat-pack) built for WA conditions. We use soft-close drawers and premium hardware (e.g., Blum) for longevity.
  5. Installation & commissioning: Fit cabinets, benchtops, splashbacks and appliances; final test and commissioning by licensed gas and electrical contractors.

Joyce Kitchens also delivers kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust—matching alfresco palettes with your indoor shaker kitchen, splashback tiles and LED strip lighting for a unified look.

Outdoor materials and finishes that stand up in WA

WA’s UV, heat and coastal air demand resilient solutions. For alfresco kitchens, we recommend:

  • Frames & doors: Powder-coated aluminium, 316-grade stainless, or specialised outdoor polymer systems. Avoid standard MDF substrates outdoors.
  • Benchtops: Porcelain/sintered stone (e.g., Dekton/Neolith-type materials), granite, or stainless steel. These are highly heat, UV and stain resistant.
  • Cabinet internals: Aluminium or compact laminate internals in weather-exposed zones; consider moisture-resistant board only where fully protected.
  • Sinks & tapware: 316 stainless or PVD-finished products rated for exterior use; look for WELS ratings.
  • Splashbacks: Porcelain panels, stainless steel or toughened glass (with correct stand-offs near heat).
Definition: Sintered Stone (Porcelain)
A high-density surface fired at extreme heat. It’s UV-stable, heatproof and non-porous—ideal for alfresco benchtops in Perth’s climate.
Note on Engineered Stone in Australia
New national rules prohibit the fabrication of traditional engineered stone containing crystalline silica. For outdoor kitchens, we recommend porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite, stainless steel or concrete instead.

For bushfire-prone sites, discuss BAL ratings and non-combustible claddings with our designers and your builder.

Useful authorities for WA homeowners:

Alfresco layouts and styles that work

Popular alfresco layouts

  • Straight run: Efficient along a boundary wall; suits 700–900 mm BBQ, sink and bar fridge.
  • L-shape: Adds prep space and a return for serving; great for family entertaining.
  • Galley: Ideal under longer patios; ensure safe walkways and heat clearance zones.
  • Island with BBQ wall: Feature island for serving; BBQ against a ventilated wall with flue.

Style cues that tie indoors and out

  • Shaker kitchen continuity: Bring your indoor shaker profile outdoors via powder-coated aluminium frames with a similar rail pattern.
  • Colour & texture: Coastal whites with warm timber-look compact laminates; charcoal porcelain with stainless accents.
  • Hardware: Soft-close drawers, finger-pull rails or push-to-open for clean lines.
  • Lighting: IP-rated LED strip lighting, task spots over the grill, and ambient wall washers.
  • Appliance integration: 900 mm cooktop indoors, 900 mm Aussie made BBQ outdoors; matching beverage fridges and bins.

Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Compact Laminate (Alfresco)

Feature Porcelain / Sintered Stone Compact Laminate (Exterior Grade)
Heat resistance (near BBQ) Excellent; handles hot pans and radiant heat Good, but avoid direct hot pans
UV stability Excellent Very good
Stain & scratch resistance High; very dense surface High; decorative face can mark with sharp impact
Weight & support Heavy; requires strong substructure Lighter; simpler support
Typical cost in Perth $$$ (higher) $$ (mid-range)
Look & edge detail Stone-like, thin or mitred edges Contemporary square edges; core visible or edged

Perth cost guide

Allowances vary with exposure, materials and appliance choices. As a general guide (incl. GST; supply and install ranges):

  • Aussie made BBQ (built-in): $1,800–$4,500+ depending on size and spec (Heatlie, Tucker, Cookout).
  • Outdoor cabinetry (per linear metre): $1,500–$3,500 for powder-coated aluminium or polymer systems with soft-close hardware.
  • Porcelain/sintered stone benchtops: $700–$1,500 per m² fitted; stainless steel $600–$1,200 per m².
  • Rangehood/ventilation: $800–$2,500 depending on ducting and weather cowls.
  • Plumbing & gas (licensed): $1,200–$3,000 typical for a sink, mixer and BBQ connection.
  • Electrical (licensed): $800–$2,000 for GPOs, lighting and appliances.

Every alfresco is different. We’ll confirm a tailored estimate after site measure and appliance selection.

Two quick WA case examples

City Beach coastal alfresco

Brief: Durable materials in salty air, minimal upkeep. Solution: 316 stainless cabinetry, porcelain benchtop with waterfall edge, aussie made bbq (Heatlie 900 mm), IP-rated LED strip lighting, stainless splashback. Result: Zero rust concerns and easy clean-up after weekend cook-ups.

Mount Lawley heritage home

Brief: Tie indoor shaker kitchen to a compact alfresco. Solution: Powder-coated aluminium frames echoing shaker lines, compact laminate doors, Tucker built-in BBQ, porcelain splashback tiles, bar fridge. Result: Cohesive indoor–outdoor flow with custom cabinetry WA homeowners love.

Outdoor kitchen & Aussie made BBQ planning checklist

  • Choose your australian made bbq model and confirm natural gas or LPG.
  • Check manufacturer cut-out sizes, lid clearance and side burner spacing.
  • Select WA-suitable materials: porcelain/sintered stone, granite or stainless benchtops; aluminium or 316 stainless cabinetry.
  • Plan ventilation and consider an alfresco rangehood if semi-enclosed.
  • Confirm services: water, drainage, GPOs, gas point, and lighting positions.
  • Allow for weather: wind direction, sun angle, and rain protection.
  • Specify hardware: soft-close drawers, Blum hinges, and corrosion-resistant fixings.
  • Think storage: tongs, platters, fuel bottles, and a pull-out bin.
  • Coordinate finishes with your indoor kitchen: colours, handles, splashbacks.
  • Book licensed trades and final commissioning before handover.

FAQ

What is the best Aussie made BBQ for a built-in alfresco kitchen?

The right choice depends on your space and cooking style. Heatlie, Tucker and Cookout BBQs are strong Australian made options for WA homes. Look at 700–900 mm widths for most layouts, confirm gas type (NG or LPG), and always check the official Australian Made logo for manufacturing origin.

Are Aussie made BBQs worth it compared to imported models?

Yes for many Perth homeowners. You typically get heavier-gauge materials, better local support and easier access to spare parts. In WA’s coastal conditions, Australian made BBQs with 316 stainless and solid burner performance can outlast cheaper imports, offsetting any upfront premium.

Do I need council approval or a building permit for an alfresco kitchen in WA?

Simple fit-outs usually don’t require a building permit, but structures (new roofs, walls, enclosures) often do. Gas, electrical and plumbing work must be completed by licensed trades to AS/NZS 5601 and other relevant standards. Check with your local council and refer to WA Building and Energy guidance.

How much does an alfresco kitchen with an Australian made BBQ cost in Perth?

As a guide: $1,800–$4,500+ for the built-in BBQ, $1,500–$3,500 per linear metre for outdoor cabinetry, $700–$1,500 per m² for porcelain benchtops, plus $2,800–$7,500 for services and ventilation depending on your setup.

What benchtop materials are best near a BBQ in WA heat?

Porcelain/sintered stone, granite and stainless steel perform best outdoors. They’re heat and UV resistant and low maintenance. Avoid standard indoor laminates and note that traditional engineered stone with crystalline silica is no longer fabricated under current national rules.

Boost your barbecue workflow with kitchen accessories and organisers that make prep and serving seamless.

Need inspiration across climates and budgets? See the best outdoor kitchens for materials, layouts and appliance picks.